Joanna: Namajunas rematch ‘bigger than my whole fight career’

In the most high-profile MMA upset of 2017, Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s undefeated record and reign as UFC strawweight champion came to a shocking end, as Rose Namajunas knocked her out just over three minutes into the opening round of their UFC 217 encounter. Known for her exceptional striking skills, Jedrzejczyk found herself outstruck and unable to deal with Rose’s power, as she notched the first KO win of her professional career.

An immediate rematch was booked for UFC 223 in Brooklyn, marking the first time Jedrzejczyk has assumed the role of challenger since winning the title from Carla Esparza in 2015. Speaking to FloCombat’s Damon Martin, the Polish standout emphasized that she just wants the belt back more than simply evening the score with Namajunas.

“It was important to get the title shot, but if Rose was going to fight in February or March and she was facing someone else [and lost] as long as I could go for the title,” Jedrzejczyk said. “I want to get what belongs to me. I don’t want to just rematch her. I want the title. It doesn’t matter who keeps the belt.

”I’m the owner of this belt and I’ve owned this belt for two years and nine months.”

The 30-year-old considers this to be the most important matchup she’s ever had, and promises that “the queen is back.”

“What I can say is it’s going to be bigger than my whole fight career,” Jedrzejczyk said. “Only one night. Only one fight. It’s going to be bigger than 14 years of my fighting career. Mark my words.”

Namajunas vs. Jedrzejczyk serves as the co-main event to the lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. UFC 223 takes place at the Barclays Center on Saturday, April 7th.